York City v Luton Town: Transformation produces positive vibe for Minstermen

Contrast that nightmare scenario with the opportunity they face over the next three games – a return to the Football League after six hard years in the Conference – and the magnitude of the achievement is apparent.

Tonight, they entertain fellow former Football League club Luton Town in the first leg of their Blue Square Premier play-off semi-final with the return at Kenilworth Road on Monday afternoon.

York have been transformed into a club that can at last look forward thanks to the experience of manager Martin Foyle and the goals of Richard Brodie.

"It's been a fantastic season," said Foyle, who orchestrated last season's successful survival fight and a run to the FA Trophy final.

"We have reached the play-offs, the third round of the

FA Cup and we've won the youth cup and the Yorkshire Cup.

"Gates are up 300 to 400 and there's a lot of positivity about the place.

"Last year's Trophy run provided us with a platform but we have not spent much more than last season and have managed to balance our books.

"Many things have been good this season, the attitude has been fantastic and the players deserve a big pat on the back."

Foyle built the third meanest defence in the Blue Square Premier with 19 clean sheets kept in 44 games but it was Brodie and his 33 goals that elevated them into the top five and got League clubs taking notice.

"Richard has a year left on his contract and we're under no financial pressure to sell him," said Foyle of the 22-year-old. "He's still got a lot of learning to do but that's football at this level."

Luton finished three places higher than York and go into the two-leg tie as favourites.

"I'm not surprised because they're a in a different financial league to us but it's two 90 minutes of cup football and we have enough about us to cause them problems," said Foyle.

"They are an excellent side, they defend very well and, like us, they don't give away silly goals. It certainly won't be won or lost in the first 90 minutes unless either team does something stupid."

Tonight's match is all-ticket with a capacity crowd expected.

Last six games: York WWLWDL, Luton WWDWDD.

Last time: York 0 Luton 0; February 16, 2010; Blue Square Premier.

Referee: B Malone (Wiltshire).